Tamim Iqbal is set to return to competitive cricket in the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) T20 tournament, with veteran stars Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad also expected to feature. The tournament, scheduled for mid-September, will be held across three venues: Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Bogura.
This marks a significant expansion from last season, when all matches were confined to two grounds in Sylhet. The decision to decentralise the tournament was confirmed by tournament committee chairman Akram Khan, following approval from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) grounds committee.
“We had a long meeting about this. Getting suitable venues was difficult, especially as we need two grounds per location. After much consideration, we finalised Bogura, Rajshahi, and Sylhet,” said Akram.
Tamim Iqbal will take the field for the first time since suffering a cardiac scare during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match in Savar nearly five months ago. The former Bangladesh captain received treatment at a local hospital, followed by medical consultations in Dhaka and Singapore.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2023—with a brief return following intervention from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—Tamim last played two ODIs against New Zealand before leading Fortune Barishal to their maiden BPL title in 2024.
Akram confirmed Tamim’s participation: “I spoke with Tamim, and he said he will play.”
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad, who also played alongside Tamim in Barishal’s BPL-winning side, are expected to join the NCL T20.
Mushfiqur, originally from Bogura, has contacted Sylhet Division about representing them. He last played an ODI during the Champions Trophy, having retired from T20 internationals in 2022.
While Akram couldn’t confirm Mahmudullah’s participation definitively, he remains hopeful:
“Riyad hasn’t officially informed us or the selectors, but chances are he’ll play—and he should. He’s already training.”
Mahmudullah ended his T20I career last year after a bilateral series against India and also bowed out of ODIs after this year’s Champions Trophy.
Notably, this year’s tournament will not feature matches in Dhaka or Chattogram. The BCB initially considered MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, but it was dropped due to concerns over floodlights and pitch conditions. Instead, focus has shifted to regions with strong fan bases and growing infrastructure.
Akram explained:
“There’s a lot of demand for matches in Bogura and Rajshahi. These areas produce many good players and have dedicated fan followings. We also want to decentralise cricket from Dhaka.”
BCB groundsmen will soon assess Bogura’s facilities to ensure the pitches meet required standards ahead of the tournament.
The group stage matches will be played during the day, but BCB plans to host the semi-finals and final as day-night fixtures in Sylhet.
“We’re planning for day-night semis and finals in Sylhet,” Akram confirmed.